Bahl - The Biscoff cookie & spread cookbook: irresistible cupcakes, cookies, confections, and more

Two brothers making traditional cookies at their Belgian bakery in the 1930s; a mom in Belgium with a creative idea for a reality TV show; and a young boy in Ohio struggling to enjoy his familys holiday traditions despite a peanut allergy. Who would have thought that these three stories would intersect? But intersect they did, and the happy result is this cookbook.

We begin in the Belgian town of Lembeke, the home of the Boone brothers, both bakers. Like most Belgians, the brothers were especially fond of a traditional Belgian cookie known as speculoos (today called Biscoff). These cookies flavor and texture are unique, owing to a magical blend of cinnamon and other spices as well as the caramelization of sugar during the baking process. In the Boone brothers time, families made speculoos mostly for special occasions like weddings, births, and St. Nicholass Feast on the sixth of December. But why, wondered the brothers, should enjoyment of these cookies be limited to a few times every year? They opened their first bakery in 1932.

Residents of Lembeke soon came to recognize the brothers red truck as it drove around, delivering their freshly baked cookies door to door. Speculoos became a favorite in cafes all over Europein fact, every fifth cookie enjoyed in Belgium today is a speculoos or Biscoff. Fast forward to 2007, when a prime-time television program in Belgium called De Bedenkers (The Inventors) put out a call for entries. A culinary enthusiast and mother of three named Els Scheppers saw her chance. She enteredand ultimately became a show finalistwith the idea of making a spread from Biscoff cookies. The recipe she created has the consistency of peanut butter but is nut-free and vegan.

It has since become one of the most popular products offered by Lotus Bakeries, the company descended from the Boone brothers original bakery. Next, we cross the ocean to Ohio, where a few years ago Katrina Bahl, an avid baker and a mother of two hungry boys, faced the possible end of one of her familys cherished holiday traditions. Her husbands family has made buckeyes for half a century, using a recipe passed down through the generations. Buckeyes are a smooth, dense peanut butter filling dipped in chocolate, to resemble the nut from Ohios state tree. Katrina would sit with her mother-in-law and make hundreds of buckeyes each yearuntil she discovered that one of her sons had a peanut allergy. For a year or so, it looked like this classic Ohio tradition would end for the Bahl family.

Katrina tried various substitutes for buckeyes, including sunflower butter, but they just didnt taste right. And then, she says, I tried making the buckeyes with Biscoff Spread. It worked! Now my son can be included in our familys tradition again. Katrina went on to think up other uses of Biscoff spread and cookies, and began blogging about her creations. She developed a followingBiscoff lovers eager to incorporate its irresistible flavor into their own culinary creations, foodies from around the world. Before long, the idea for this cookbook was born.

In these pages, youll find over 70 unique recipes, complete with photos and Katrinas insights into how they came to be. The sweet treats include cookies, cakes, frosting, quick breads, mousse, waffles, and other family favorites. Many people love the snickerdoodles, Katrina reports, especially hot out of the oven, when the spread in the middle oozes out when you bite in. Now its time for you to step in and become part of the Biscoff Cookie and Spread tradition. But first, a helpful tip from Katrina: If you bring one of these desserts to a party or wine-tasting, be sure to bring a jar of Biscoff Spread with you, as I do! That way, when people sayas they inevitably willWow, whats in that? youll be able to show them, and help them become fans themselves.

My life changed on September 15, 2011.

It was 9:30 AM, and my youngest son was safely strapped into his high chair while my oldest son was helping me make a fun treat. Nothing was unusual about the day. No one was being dangerous or careless. The three of us were happily going about our morning baking and eating, laughing and making a mess together in the kitchen. Then Timothy reached over from his high chair and swiped two pieces of cereal from Lukes bowl. We were making a dessert using a peanut butter cereal and Luke had been munching on the leftovers.

Never in my life will I forget the allergic reaction. It was fast and furious. Timothys tiny face and neck turned red and swelled up with hives. I was terrified and helpless to protect my baby from this thing that was happening in his little body. After taking a few moments to note that he was not having difficulty breathing (thank God!), I called his pediatrician. You likely know the rest of the story.

He is allergic to peanuts. For the first few months after my sons initial reaction, I felt completely overwhelmed with the choices we had to make every minute of every day concerning the food that he consumed. But life goes on. My husband and I were diligent about educating ourselves and our family. Three years later, Timothy knows to double check with us if he has been offered food. Our home is completely nut-free.

This book comes from a desire to adapt our favorite recipes so that theyre safe for our whole family to enjoy together. The great news is that Biscoff Spread isnt just for the person with peanut allergies! When I first brought Biscoff into our home, I had to do some convincing to get my husband to try this alternative to peanut butter that I was eating by the spoonful. One bite was all it took, and he became just as addicted as the rest of us. In fact, its fair to say hes now the biggest Biscoff fan in our home, constantly raiding the cupboards in search of the next open jar. Every spoonful of the sweet, caramelized cookie butter tempts you to enjoy another bite. Biscoff cookies and spread lend the perfect flavor to your favorite desserts and sweet treats.

I hope you enjoy baking from this book as well as coming up with your own Biscoff-inspired creations!

Granola is easy to make at home, and this Biscoff granola comes together quickly. Enjoy it served with milk or as a topping for your favorite yogurt. Try it served over waffles or in